Dianne Brady passed away June 23, 2024, at her home in Leonardo.
Dianne was the daughter of the late William Smith and Anne Maxson Smith of Atlantic Highlands and was predeceased by her former husband Joe Brady. She leaves behind many devoted relatives and friends who will miss her free spirit.
Dianne graduated from Middletown High School and worked as a teacher at Mountain Hill School in Atlantic Highlands for over 40 years. She loved working with her co-workers and the many children whose lives she touched.
The love of animals, especially her cats, was central to her life. She adored her mother and can best be remembered for her caring persona, expressed by the kindness and devotion she showed to her mom, her cats (who were her babies), and the wild creatures she cared for over the years.
Dianne had a true servant’s heart and would help anyone in need, especially caring for family and friends. She never met a stranger and was the one who always stayed connected, whether you lived down the street or thousands of miles away. Dianne wrote and had a love for poetry and would never send a card without sharing a limerick or poem inside.
In her final years, she would spend her time relaxing on her front porch with her morning coffee and greet the friends and neighbors who passed by. She would also help any animal in need.
“Jersey Girl” will be missed.
A memorial visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 20, followed by a funeral service at John F. Pfleger home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown. A graveside service will follow at Bay View Cemetery, 80 Hosford Ave., Leonardo.
In keeping with Dianne’s giving spirit, in lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Dianne’s name to your local animal shelter.
The article originally appeared in the July 11 – 17, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
